Christiansen: “Winning the Nations League would be historic” | OneFootball

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Throughout their history, Panama have experienced great successes and achievements, including qualifying for a first-ever FIFA Men’s World Cup at Russia 2018.

But one accomplishment that has somehow eluded Panama over the years is winning a Concacaf trophy. There have been some close calls, especially reaching the Final of the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2005 and 2013.

Now, 10 years since their last Concacaf Final, Panama are once again within reaching distance of a first Concacaf title.

With a win against Canada on Thursday in the semifinals of the 2022-23 Concacaf Nations League Finals and then a victory in Sunday’s Final, Panama would secure that first Concacaf trophy.

The significance of realizing such a feat is not lost on Panama Head Coach Thomas Christiansen.

“It would be something historic, one-of-a-kind,” said Christiansen in an exclusive interview with Concacaf.com.

“It would bring a lot of excitement and hope to the future of Panamanian football and make football grow in our country,” added Christiansen.

Panama reached this phase of the 2022-23 CNL by virtue of a first-place finish in their League A group against Costa Rica and Martinique.

The CNL may just be finishing up its second edition, but Christiansen notes that it is a competition that already brings out the best from all rivals.

“All you have to do is just look at the lists of all the teams here in the semifinals. They have all come with their best players. It means that they are betting on this tournament. The U.S. put out their list for the Gold Cup and it is a totally different team, so that shows a bit what are their objectives,’ concluded Christiansen.